Since I've recently replaced my starter for the first time, I'd like to post this small DIY guide on replacing one on a Base Model RSX.
First, I've heard some stories about being able to take the starter off without removing the intake manifold. Well, after finding the location* of the starter, there was no way in hell I'd be able to get to it.
So, this guide will take you through the steps of removing the intake manifold to get to the starter.
* The starter is located right beneath the intake manifold and can be seen from under the car.
Here is a picture of how the starter looks like. Obviously this one is a Bosch. However, the factory starter for base models are made by Mitsuba, and have a bronze cylinder instead of a polished one like the Bosch starter in the picture.
Out of all the auto parts stores, even a few mom and pop stores, the cheapest place that sold a replacement starter was Pep Boys for $128.99 with core exchange and a lifetime warranty as long as you have the receipt.
So, be sure to keep it somewhere safe! Just FYI I also decided to scan my receipt and kept the file on my computer.
Now, on with the guide!
Step 1: Remove the intake manifold.
*Below is a link to a .pdf file that will take you through the steps for removing the intake manifold AND putting it back on.
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/acuramstr/2009-12-15_052008_intake.pdf
** On step 5 on page 2 of the .pdf file you will be instructed to take off 2 small hoses. Both of which will leak coolant. I wasn't sure on what to do so I just put a small bucket under the car to catch the leak. I also plugged up one of the hoses with a bolt as a temporary solution. After everything was over, the car leaked enough coolant that I had to refill the radiator with some.
Step 2: Remove the starter.
- unplug the clip (the thin wire that you can just pull off)
- unscrew the nut (the fat wire with a round rubber piece you can lift up to access the nut)
- unscrew the 2 bolts that hold the starter
Step 3: Install the new starter.
Step 4: Install the intake manifold.
*Refer to the link in Step 1
Step 5: Finish
Overall, everything was pretty simple. It just took some time since I've never replaced the starter before nor have I removed an intake manifold.
First, I've heard some stories about being able to take the starter off without removing the intake manifold. Well, after finding the location* of the starter, there was no way in hell I'd be able to get to it.
So, this guide will take you through the steps of removing the intake manifold to get to the starter.
* The starter is located right beneath the intake manifold and can be seen from under the car.
Here is a picture of how the starter looks like. Obviously this one is a Bosch. However, the factory starter for base models are made by Mitsuba, and have a bronze cylinder instead of a polished one like the Bosch starter in the picture.
Out of all the auto parts stores, even a few mom and pop stores, the cheapest place that sold a replacement starter was Pep Boys for $128.99 with core exchange and a lifetime warranty as long as you have the receipt.
So, be sure to keep it somewhere safe! Just FYI I also decided to scan my receipt and kept the file on my computer.
Now, on with the guide!
Step 1: Remove the intake manifold.
*Below is a link to a .pdf file that will take you through the steps for removing the intake manifold AND putting it back on.
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/acuramstr/2009-12-15_052008_intake.pdf
** On step 5 on page 2 of the .pdf file you will be instructed to take off 2 small hoses. Both of which will leak coolant. I wasn't sure on what to do so I just put a small bucket under the car to catch the leak. I also plugged up one of the hoses with a bolt as a temporary solution. After everything was over, the car leaked enough coolant that I had to refill the radiator with some.
Step 2: Remove the starter.
- unplug the clip (the thin wire that you can just pull off)
- unscrew the nut (the fat wire with a round rubber piece you can lift up to access the nut)
- unscrew the 2 bolts that hold the starter
Step 3: Install the new starter.
Step 4: Install the intake manifold.
*Refer to the link in Step 1
Step 5: Finish
Overall, everything was pretty simple. It just took some time since I've never replaced the starter before nor have I removed an intake manifold.